Getty Images
There’s never a bad time of the year to check your skin for melanoma, but as the weather heats up and we head outside to soak up some vitamin D, it’s vital. Plus, you can do it yourself in just five minutes. All you need to do is memorize these five warning signs of melanoma.
Asymmetry
If you drew a line down the middle, the two sides wouldn’t match.
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
RELATED: Are You Getting a Good Skin Cancer Check?
Borders
Uneven, squiggly edges can be a sign of early melanoma.
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
RELATED: 5 Best Ways to Protect Against Skin Cancer
Color
Check for subtle shading differences within the mole, or colors other than brown or black, like red or blue.
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
RELATED: 3 Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Diameter
A mole 1/4 inch across (about the size of a pencil eraser) or larger should set off red flags.
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
RELATED: 10 Things You Don’t Know About Melanoma
Evolution
Any changes—in size, shape, color or more—can tip you off that something’s going on in there.
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
RELATED: 15 Biggest Sunscreen Mistakes
from Health News / Tips & Trends / Celebrity Health http://ift.tt/1cpP09D
